Richard Russo is a fantastic writer. He can make stories that seem quiet and insignificant both profound and moving. In this new book, Russo returns to the small-town life themes of his earlier work, EMPIRE FALLS. However, I think I enjoyed BRIDGE OF SIGHS even more than EMPIRE FALLS.
BRIDGE OF SIGHS focuses on two families in a small town up east. It is told from the perspective of two men who grew up as friends and took two very divergent paths in later life. The story moves backwards and forwards in time, revealing little bits of plot that leave you longing for more. Lou Lynch is a shy quiet boy who believe the best in everyone. He idolizes his friend Bobby Marconi who is popular and fearless. The two boys have very different home lives which lead them in different directions.
Each character in the book is well-developed and you have a good sense of who each person is. The book demonstrates that even in a small town, people can live quiet yet profound stories where even the most seemingly insignficant acts can have unexpected consequences.
This is not a quick book to read through. You will want to take your time with Russo's prose. But it is well worth your time.
3 comments:
I am so glad you enjoyed this one, Amy. I loved Empire Falls and am really looking forward to one day reading this one. It sounds like it will be very good.
I think you'll like it, Litty Kitty!!!
It grabbed me in a way that EMPIRE FALLS didn't although I can't really put on a finger on why.
You told me about this one when I was out to visit. I really enjoy stories that describe how individual events and characteristics work together to make different kinds of lives.
"Bridge" sounds fascinating. I just put it on hold.
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